Sleep Research Facility - Deep Frieze

Cold Spring bills Deep Frieze (2007) as "dark ambient," which is sort of true; the nether regions of this release are often dimly-lit. But for the most part, this disc matches its cover - glacial and wintry. This isn't the tranquil beauty that Norwegian black metal fetishizes. It's the harsh indefiniteness of a Midwest winter, with temperatures biting and winds swirling all around.

79°S 83°W (excerpt)

But beneath the snowdrifts lies structure. These 10+ minute tracks have long, slow arcs, morphing through abstract, sometimes soothing tonalities. For such epic settings, the background and high end carry surprising detail. Occasionally the tones crystallize into a Fortress of Solitude; a distant, walkie-talkie voice interjects at one point.

I've tested this album in my own sleep research facility (i.e., bed), and it's wonderful for such purposes. However, it also sounds great cranked up. It's calming at times, and menacing at others - I've found no better audio representation of winter. Put on your gloves and pick up this icy slab at Cold Spring.